Leave of Absence

A student expecting extended absences from school should request a Leave of Absence (LOA) in advance. An LOA is a temporary interruption in a student’s program of study. One student-initiated LOA may be granted during a 12-month period with supporting documentation. An LOA may not be fewer than five school days or exceed 180 calendar days. An LOA may be granted for a variety of reasons including serious medical conditions, military commitments, or unexpected experiences.

A Leave of Absence is a period of time during which a student is not enrolled in school but intends to re-enroll. To decide if an LOA is the right choice, students should understand what the leave entails by getting answers to questions before a final decision is made to leave school. Some things to consider include: What happens to work completed prior to the leave? How does taking an LOA impact financial aid? What are the requirements for taking the leave and for returning to school? How long will the leave be granted?

Answers to these and other questions can help ensure students that taking a Leave of Absence is an aid to returning to school refocused, refreshed, and remotivated! For more information, students should visit with their instructor or department head, review the college’s policy 620 Leave of Absence, visit with a student services representative, and, if applicable, consult with the financial aid office.